GOOD MORNING, SUNDAY! It’s the perfect time to catch up on some of the great reporting and stories the Mercury churned out this week! (PRO TIP: If you despise being “the last to know,” then be one of the first to know by signing up for Mercury newsletters! All the latest stories shipped directly to your email’s in-box… and then… YOUR HEAD.)
• Multnomah County to Sue Big Oil for Billions for Their Role In Deadly Heat Dome Event
It’s Multnomah County vs Big Oil in a forthcoming lawsuit approved by county commissioners who want to hold fossil fuel companies responsible for their role in the deadly 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome.
Hackers! Robots! And assholes that act like robots! Those topics and more are all covered in this week’s hilarious trivia game, POP QUIZ PDX! See how smart YOU are.
• City Contractor Ordered To Pay for Personal Items Confiscated During 2020 Homeless Camp Sweep
An attorney and homeless advocates say this isn’t the first time Rapid Response Bio Clean ignored rules for storing personal property taken during homeless encampment sweeps.
• Portland’s Charter Reform is Moving Full Steam Ahead
What’s the current status of Portland’s charter reform efforts? Here’s the latest on district maps, a proposed $142,000 salary for city councilors, skepticism about the new government, and more.
Hamsters that weigh as much as kidney stones, Cameron Diaz’ Sauvignon Blanc diet, and who is the Trash Report’s public enemy #1? Find out in this week’s edition!
In this week’s music news: An exclusive Portugal. The Man music video screening at Movie Madness, retreats for beats in the woods, and what’s hotter: Wynne’s “Hot Friend” or her freestyle on Sway in the Morning?
• In Last-Minute Amendment, Oregon Lawmakers Propose $1 Billion For I-5 Bridge Replacement Project
An eleventh-hour proposal to dedicate $1 billion in Oregon general obligation bonds for a new—and larger—I-5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver has project critics alarmed.
• Crafting Pinocchio Spotlights the Stop-Motion Animation That Made the Movie Come Alive
“The notion that anyone would not delight in this show seems impossible,” writes our critic about the Portland Art Museum’s new exhibit,” Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio.”
• Providence Nurses Strike Over Low Pay, Benefits
It’s the region’s first nurses’ strike in more than 20 years. Organizers say for years, Providence has failed to offer competitive wages and benefits, instead relying on traveling nurses to fill staffing gaps.
• NAYA Hosts a Destination for the Whole Community at the Cully Farmers Market
The Cully Farmers Market, hosted by the Native American Youth and Family Center, runs every Thursday this summer in Portland, highlighting about a dozen Indigenous vendors, while also creating community.
• The Ultimate Stardew Valley Creator Interview About Pacific Northwest Interests
Video game designer Eric Barone on salmonberries, mushroom foraging, and layered portrayals of homelessness.
In this week’s column: A lack of sex leads to a slow motion matrimonial train wreck.
WOW, THAT IS A LOT OF GOOD READIN’. I hope you didn’t have any other plans this weekend! Dig in, and remember: Producing all this hard work costs moolah—so please consider contributing to the Mercury to keep it all coming! Thanks!
